Cutting machine and method for positioning end of workpiece to be cut in cutting machine

ABSTRACT

The invention is a cutting machine and its method of operation. The machine contains a vise, a feed mechanism for positioning a workpiece toward the cutting position, a mechanism for detecting the front end of the workpiece, a mechanism for detecting the transfer distance of the front end of the workpiece, a mechanism acting in conjunction with the last two referenced mechanisms to reduce the feed speed of the workpiece, a mechanism to control the feed velocity of the workpiece, a mechanism to contact the first end of the workpiece, and a mechanism to halt the speed of the workpiece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cutting machine for cutting a longmaterial such as, for example, a bar material, and to a method forpositioning the end of the workpiece to be cut off in that cuttingmachine.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Various types of cutting machines are used to cut a long material. Forexample, such a cutting machine may be a band saw machine, a circularsaw machine, a disc cutter, or the like.

When such cutting machines are constructed so that the workpiece can befed automatically to be cut, a main vise device, which is disposed nearcutting position and interposedly secures the workpiece during cuttingoperation, and a feed vise device, which feeds the workpiece, areprovided.

Conventionally, to cut the workpiece, first the workpiece is transportedto the cutting machine by a suitable transport device, such as a crane,fork lift truck, or the like. Next, after the transported workpiece isclamped in the feed vise device, the feed vise device is moved so thatthe end of the workpiece is positioned at the cutting position. Afterthe workpiece is interposedly secured in the main vise device, the endsection of the workpiece is cut off (the trimming operation). Then,after the end section of the workpiece has been cut off, the feedingoperation is performed by the feed vise device from the cut position sothat the workpiece is pushed forward by just one unit length(dimension).

Specifically, in such a conventional device, because the end of theworkpiece is cut off in the first place, it is easy to set the standardposition for the feed vise device or the workpiece wherein the end ofthe workpiece is positioned in the cutting position; and it is possibleto commence feeding the workpiece by a unit length so thatsemimanufactured goods can be easily cut off.

However, in recent years, along with the advance of multivariety andsmall number production, or and synchronized production, it has becomenecessary, for example, to cut only the necessary number ofsemimanufactured products from one long workpiece and store theremainder of the workpiece in the warehouse. Then, when it again becomesnecessary to cut the same workpiece, that workpiece is transported tothe cutting machine once more and only the necessary number ofsemimanufactured products are cut from the workpiece.

When the workpiece is to be cut for the second time, as noted above,because the end of the workpiece was cut during the previous cut it isnot necessary to again trim the end of the workpiece. Accordingly, theoperator, after transporting the workpiece to tee cutting machine,measures the position of the end face of the workpiece with a scale, andperforms an operation for adjusting the end of the workpiece to agreewith the cutting position.

The adjustment operation such as outlined above, is carried out byslightly advancing or retracting the feed vise device which has clampedthe workpiece. This adjusting operation is not only a lot of work, butbecause of errors in the scale and the like, a considerable amount oftime is required to make the end of the workpiece agree with the cuttingposition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention is to provide, with dueconsideration to the drawbacks of such conventional devices, a cuttingmachine and a positioning method by which it is possible to easilyposition the end of a workpiece at a standard position.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a cutting machineand a positioning method by which it is possible to automaticallyposition the end of a workpiece at a standard position.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a cutting machineand a positioning method by which it is possible to automaticallyposition the end of a workpiece at a cutting position as a standardposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following description ofthe preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a common horizontal band saw machineas one example of the cutting machine according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a drawing explaining the operation of a first embodiment ofthe present invention, shown on a plane surface.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are drawings explaining the operation of a second anda third embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory drawing of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6a and 6b are flowcharts for explaining the operation of thefourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7 to 10 are explanatory drawings showing the operating conditionsof the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are explanatory drawings showing another embodimentof a stopper member part.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory drawing showing a configuration by which thestop member is alternately projected into and retracted from the pathwayof the workpiece using a swinging motion.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory drawing showing a configuration by which thestop member is alternately projected into and retracted from the pathwayof the workpiece in a straight line motion.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory drawing showing an embodiment which provides astop member on a forward vise provided in front of the cutting position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring to FIG. 1, a horizontal band saw machine is shown as anexample of a cutting machine 1. An explanation will be given for thisembodiment using the case where the horizontal band saw machine is onetype of cutting machine, but this is only by way of example. The presentinvention can be implementing various other types of cutting machines,such as a vertical band saw machine, a circular saw machine, a disccutting machine or the like.

A horizontal band saw machine as the cutting machine 1 is commonlyknown, but the outline given in explanation, using FIG. 1, can beapplied to all configurations.

The cutting machine 1 is provided with a box-shaped base 3 whichsupports a long workpiece W. A cutting head 7 equipped with a cuttingtool 5 which cuts the. workpiece W is capable of freely verticalelevation. As is commonly known, the cutting tool 5 on the horizontalband saw is a horizontal saw blade, and the workpiece W is cutvertically by the cutting tool 5 as a result of the elevating action ofthe cutting head 7.

A main vise device 9 is provided on the base 3 to interposedly securethe workpiece W in the vicinity of the cutting position to be cut by thecutting tool 5. The main vise device 9 comprises a fixed vise jaw 9F anda movable vise jaw 9M for clamping the workpiece W. A hydraulic cylinder11 is provided to move the movable vise jaw 9M reciprocally.

A workpiece support stand 13 is provided on the rear of the main visedevice 9 to feed the workpiece W. A feed vise device 15 is provided in amanner allowing it to move the workpiece W freely and reciprocally inthe feed direction. As is commonly known, the feed vise device 15comprises a fixed vise jaw 15F and a movable vise jaw 15M for clampingthe workpiece W, and a hydraulic cylinder 17 is provided for moving themovable vise jaw 15M. The reciprocal action of the feed vise device 15for performing the feed operation is produced by means of a commonlyknown feed cylinder or by a feed screw mechanism (omitted from FIG. 1).

The cutting machine 1 with configuration as outlined above is commonlyknown, so a more detailed explanation of its structure and operationwill be omitted here.

Now referring to FIG. 2, the general concept of a first embodiment ofthe present invention is shown.

In FIG. 2 a piston rod 19P of a feed cylinder 19 is connected to thefeed vise device 15 for reciprocally moving the feed vise device 15 inthe feed direction F. A transfer distance detection means 21 fordetecting the transfer distance of the end of the feed vise device 15 isprovided on the workpiece support stand 13.

In this embodiment of the present invention, a configuration by which apinion 27 coupled with a detector 25 such as a rotary encoder engages arack 23 provided on the feed vise device 15, has been adopted as thetransfer distance detection means 21. Accordingly, when the feed visedevice 15 moves, a pulse corresponding to that movement is produced fromthe detector 25, so that by counting and suitably processing the pulse,the direction of movement, the transfer distance, and the speed ofmovement of the feed vise device 15 can be detected.

The configuration of the transfer position detection device 21 is notrestricted to the abovementioned configuration. It can be, for example,a configuration by which the pinion 27 and the detector 25 is mounted onthe side of the feed vise device 15, and the rack 23 is provided on thefixed side. In addition, it is also possible to use a completelydifferent configuration than the above. For example, a magnetic scale ora linear scale such as an induction scale can be used.

A magnetic proportional throttling directional switching valve 31(electro-magnetic solenoid valve--hereinafter referred to as themagnetic proportional valve 31) is positioned between a pressure source29 and the feed cylinder 19 for controlling the action of the feedcylinder 19. When a solenoid 31A is energized, the magnetic proportionalvalve 31 cause the room on the piston side of the feed cylinder 19 tocommunicate with the pressure source 29, and the degree of throttling iscontrolled in proportion to the value of the current supplied to thesolenoid 31A. In addition, when a solenoid 31B is energized, the room onthe rod side of the feed cylinder 19 communicate with the pressuresource 29, and the degree of throttling is controlled in proportion tothe magnitude of the current supplied.

A feed velocity control means 33 is provided to control the magneticproportional valve 31, and to control the direction of action and thefeed velocity of the feed cylinder 19. The feed velocity control means33 controls the energizing current to the solenoids 31A,, 31B of themagnetic proportional valve 31, and further controls the feed directionand the feed velocity of the feed vise device 15.

In order to detect the end section of the workpiece W which is clampedand fed by the feed vise device 15, a suitable end detection means 35which can be a sensor such as, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, alaser sensor, a photoelectric switch, or the like is provided at aposition K A, a specified distance L₁ in front of the cutting positionof the cutting tool 5. The signal detected by the end detection means 35is input to a speed reduction and position setting means 37.

The speed reduction and position setting means 37 can be, for example, apreset counter or the like. When the signal from the end detection means35 is input to the speed reduction and position setting means 37, thepulses input from the detector 25 of the transfer distance detectiondevice 21 are counted, and when the number of pulses reach a set valueproportional to a distance L₂ of a point B, set in advance, a speedreduction start signal is output to the feed velocity control means 33.

The speed of the feed vise device 15 is reduced and feeding isperformed. A contact detection means 39 is provided to detect when theend of the workpiece W has contacted the cutting tool 5. When thecontact detection means 39 detects the contact, a contact signal isinput to the feed velocity control means 33 and the feeding action ofthe feed vise device 15 is halted.

The configuration of the contact detection means 39 can be as follows.For example, both the workpiece W and the cutting tool 5 can beelectrically insulated, and under the conditions where a low voltage isapplied between the two, when contact is made, a change in voltage isdetected. It is also possible to provide a microswitch or the like on asupport section which supports the cutting tool 5 on the cutting head 7,so that when the workpiece W contacts the cutting tool 5 the microswitchdetects the slight tremor which occurs.

With a configuration of the type outlined above, a transport device suchas a crane or a fork lift truck is used to transport the workpiece W tothe position of the feed vise device 15 which is in the retractedposition. When the feed vise device 15 has clamped the workpiece W, acontrol signal E is input to the feed velocity control means 33 from,for example, a numerical control device (omitted from the drawings), andwhen the solenoid 31A of the magnetic proportional valve 31 isenergized, feeding by the feed vise device 15 is commenced. The feedvelocity of the feed vise device 15 is controlled proportional to theenergizing current in the solenoid 31A.

When the feeding by the feed vise device 15 begins and the end of theworkpiece W reaches the position of the end detection means 35, the enddetection means 35 detects the end of the workpiece W and the detectionsignal is forwarded to the speed reduction and position setting means37.

When the detection signal from the end detection means 35 is input tothe speed reduction and position setting means 37, the count of thepulse signals input from the detector 25 of the transfer distancedetection device 21 is begun. Then, when the value of this count reachesa previously set value (L₂), the speed reduction signal from the speedreduction and position setting means 37 is forwarded to the feedvelocity control means 33. In the case where the set value is zero, thereduction of the feed velocity occurs simultaneously with the detectionof the end of the workpiece W by the end detection means 35.

When the speed reduction signal is input from the speed reduction andposition setting means 37 to the feed velocity control means 33, thecurrent which energizes the solenoid 31A of the magnetic proportionalvalve 31 is reduced and the feeding speed is reduced to the specifiedvalue.

Under the reduced feeding speed conditions, the end of the workpiece Wreaches the cutting position K. When the end of the workpiece W contactsthe cutting tool 5, the contact detection means 39 is activated, a haltsignal is input to the feed velocity control means 33, and the solenoid31A of the magnetic proportional valve 31 is demagnetized so that thefeeding action is immediately halted.

Accordingly, the end of the workpiece W is positioned at the cuttingposition.

After the end of the workpiece W is positioned at the cutting positionas outlined above, for example, the conventional cutting operation isperformed with the cutting position being set as the standard positionfor the conventional unit length feeding operation; thus theconventional cutting operation can be performed without trimming the endof the workpiece.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. Thestructural parts which bear the same numeral as the structural parts inthe first embodiment have exactly the same function so a more detailedexplanation will be omitted here.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, although thisconfiguration omits the contact detection means 39 of the firstembodiment, it is still possible to accurately position the end of theworkpiece W at the cutting position. Specifically, in the secondembodiment, a halt position setting means 41 is provided to set the haltposition of the end of the workpiece W. The halt position setting means41 can be, for example, a preset counter, or the like. When a signalindicating the detection of the end of the workpiece W by the enddetection means 35 is input, the counting of the pulse signal from thedetector 25 begins, and when the count reaches a preset valuecorresponding to the distance L₁ to the position K which has been set inadvance, a halt signal is output to the feed velocity control means 33.

Accordingly, in the second embodiment as previously described, thefeeding of the feed vise device 15 commences and when the end of theworkpiece W reaches the position B being L₂ away from the end detectionmeans 35, a suitable reduction in speed occurs and the halt positionsetting means 41 begins counting. Then, the end of the workpiece W ismoved by a preset distance, for example L₁, from the position of the enddetection means 35, and when the cutting position is reached, a haltsignal is output from the halt position setting means 41 and the feedingstops.

Specifically, by means of the second embodiment, by simply changing theset point of the halt position setting means 41, it is possible to haltthe end of the workpiece W in an arbitrary position so that thepositioning of the end of the workpiece W at the cutting position iseasily carried out.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the speed reduction of the feeding operation of the secondembodiment is performed in two stages.

Specifically, in this third embodiment of the present invention, asecond end detection means 43 is positioned between the end detectionmeans 35 and the cutting position. A detection signal from the secondend detection means 43 is input to the halt position setting means 41and a second speed reduction and position setting means 45. The secondspeed reduction and position setting means 45 has the same function asthe speed reduction and position setting means 37.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the feeding operationof the feed vise device 15 commences, and when the end of the workpieceW reaches the position B being L₂ away from the end detection means 35,as previously outlined, the feed velocity of the workpiece W is reduced(first stage reduction), after which, when the end of the workpiece Wreaches the position D being L₄ away from the second end detection means43, the second stage speed reduction is performed.

Specifically, when the second end detection means 43 detects the end ofthe workpiece W, the detection signal is input to both the halt positionsetting means 41 and the second speed reduction and position settingmeans 45. The second speed reduction and position setting means 45 thencommences to count the pulse signal from the detector 25. When the valueof the count is equal to a value equivalent to a distance L₄ from apreviously set position D, a speed reduction signal is sent to the feedvelocity control means 33 from the second speed reduction and positionsetting means 45, and the feed velocity is further reduced. After this,when the value of the count by the halt position setting means 41 isequal to the count corresponding to the distance L₃, a halt signal istransmitted to the feed velocity control means 33, and the feeding isstopped.

FIG. 5 is a schematical side elevational view of a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention. In this embodiment of the present invention, theend of the workpiece W strikes a stopper member 47 provided on themovable vise jaw 9M of the main vise device 9, and the end of theworkpiece W is positioned.

Specifically, when the end of the workpiece W strike the stopper member47, the feeding of the feed vise device 15 momentarily halted, and theoutput of the pulse signal from the detector 25 to the NC device 53ceases. Then a halt signal is output from the NC device 53 so that thesolenoid 31A of the magnetic proportional valve 31 is demagnetized andthe feeding action is halted.

Next, the feeding operation corresponding to the length of cut commencesfrom the strike position, as explained in detail hereinafter.

In addition, in this fourth embodiment, a pressure reducing valve 49 anda switching valve 51 are positioned between the magnetic proportionalvalve 31 and the pressure source 29, so that the pressure of the fluidsupplied to the feed cylinder 19 can be switched to a low or a highpressure. Control of the magnetic proportional valve 31 and switchingcontrol of the switching valve 51 and the like are performed by the NCdevice 53.

The action of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will now beexplained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10.

First, in Step S₁ of FIG. 6, the workpiece W is transported to the feedvise device 15 by a crane or the like.

In Step S₂, the workpiece W is clamped by the feed vise device 15. Themovable vise jaw 9M on the main vise device 9 is moved to the fixed visejaw 9F side and closed. The stopper member 47 mounted on the movablevise jaw 9M is placed to face the end of the workpiece W.

In Step S₃, the positioning of the end of the workpiece W is started.

In Step S₄, while the cutting head 7 is elevated, the solenoid 31A ofthe magnetic proportional valve 31 is energized, hydraulic fluid issupplied to the feed cylinder 19, and the feed vise device 15 isadvanced. Until the workpiece W strike the stopper member 47,the..solenoid 51A of the switching valve 51 is energized so thathydraulic fluid for which the pressure is reduced by the pressurereducing valve 49, is supplied to feed cylinder 19. Thus, the workpieceW strikes the stopper member 47 with low pressure. Accordingly, when theworkpiece W strike the stopper member 47 no slippage occurred betweenthe workpiece W and the feed vise device 15.

In Step S₅, the end of the workpiece W strikes the stopper member 47(see FIG. 7). Then, as explained before, the pulse signal output fromthe sensor 25 in the transfer distance detection means 21 is ceased.

In Step S₆, the position at which the end of the workpiece W strikes thestopper member 47 is set as the origin for positioning the end of theworkpiece W.

In Step S₇, the magnetic proportional valve 31 is switched so that thefeed vise device 15 retreats by a very small distance H (see FIG. 8);also the solenoid in the switching valve 51 is de-energized.

In Step S₈, the feed vise device 15 stops at the position to which ithad retreated by the very small distance H.

In Step S₉, the movable vise jaw 9M on the main vise device 9 is movedaway from the fixed vise jaw 9F and is fully opened (see FIG. 8).

In Step S₁₀, the solenoid 31A of the magnetic proportional valve 31 isonce again energized and the feed vice device 15 is advanced.

In Step S₁₁, the decision is made as to whether the switch 55 (see FIG.5) mounted on the main vise device 9 for detecting the feed vise device15 has been activated or not.

If the switch 55 has not been activated, the feed vise device 15 has notreached the forward end, so in Step S₁₂, the feeding action continues,the pulses output from the detector 25 in the transfer distancedetection means 21 are counted by the NC device 53, and when themovement of the end of the workpiece W by a set distance from the originset point position (the position where it contacts the stopper member47) is detected, the feeding is halted and the positioning is completed.In this case, the distance X (see FIG. 9) from the stopped member 47 tothe cutting position is already known, so the positioning of the cuttingdistance Y is easily carried out.

In Step S₁₃, the workpiece W is interposedly secured by the main visedevice 9 (see FIG. 9).

In Step S₁₄, the clamping of the workpiece W by the feed vise device 15is released.

In Step S₁₅, the feed vise device 15 is moved to the advanced end, andis positioned at the origin for normal automatic feeding; the origin isthe position where the feed vise contact the main vise in thisembodiment.

On the other hand, in Step S₁₁, if the switch 55 has been activated, thefeed vise device 15 is positioned at the forward position, and theprocess is moved to Step S₁₇. Here, the distance by which workpiece W ismoved by the feed vise device 15 is assumed to be D (see FIG. 10).

In Step S₁₇, the workpiece W is interposedly secured by the main visedevice 9, and the feed vise device 15 releases the workpiece W.

In Step S₁₉, the feed vise device 15 retreat by a distance (C+x-D) sothat the vise device 15 can feed the workpiece by the same distance(C+X-D) in next feeding step, wherein x is distance between the stopper47 and cutting position k, and c is cut length by which the workpiece isto be cut in next cutting operation.

In Step S₂₀, the workpiece W is released from the main vise device 9after the workpiece W has been clamped by the feed vise device 15.

In Step S₂₁, the feed vise device 15 advances to perform the feedingoperation and the system returns to Step S₁₁.

As can be understood from the above explanation, in this embodiment theend of the workpiece W strike the stopper member 47 provided at aposition for which the distance from the cutting position is known inadvance, and the positioning is carried out. Therefore, after the end ofthe workpiece W has been trimmed once, no further trimming is required.The workpiece W can be fed by the length of the cut dimension andpositioned.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show another embodiments for detecting when the endof the workpiece W contacts the stopper member 47. In the embodiments amicroswitch 57 or a load cell 59 for detecting any very slight change inthe stopper member 47 are mounted on the movable vise jaw 9M.

In addition, the configuration shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in which thestopper member 47 is not mounted on the main vice device 9, but on theframe of the machine so as to be projected to or retreated from the feedpathway of the workpiece W by a pair of hydraulic cylinder 61, 63, isalso possible.

Another possible configuration is that shown in FIG. 15, wherein a frontvise device 65 is provided in front of the cutting position in a freelyadvancing and retreating manner in the direction of the feeding of theworkpiece W, and the stopper member 47 is provided on a movable vise jawon the front vise device 65.

That is to say, the stopper member can be provided in any arbitraryposition.

As can be readily understood from the explanation of the aboveembodiments, by means of the present invention, after the workpiece hasbeen once positioned in a specified standard position, this workpiece isfed by a distance equal to the dimension of the cut. Therefore theposition to which the end of the workpiece W is moved can always becalculated. Accordingly, in the case where the workpiece an end of whichis once cut square is used, the workpiece can easily be fed by theamount of the cut dimension without any further trimming.

Although the invention has been described in its preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may bemade within the purview of the appended claims without departing fromthe true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cutting machine comprising:a main vise devicefor interposedly securing a workpiece close to a cutting position; afeed means for feeding a workpiece toward the cutting position; a feedvelocity control means for controlling the feed velocity of theworkpiece by the feed means; a stopper means capable of contacting afront end of the workpiece at a specified position, the stopper meansbeing mounted on a movable vise jaw of the main vise device so that thefront end of the workpiece can contact the stopper means when themovable vise jaw is closed toward a fixed vise jaw of the main visedevice; and a contact detection means for detecting the contact betweenthe front end of the workpiece and the stopper means and sending a haltsignal to the feed velocity control means for halting the feed action.2. A cutting machine comprising:a main vise device for interposedlysecuring a workpiece close to a cutting position; a feed means forfeeding a workpiece toward the cutting position; a feed velocity controlmeans for controlling the feed velocity of the workpiece by the feedmeans; a stopper means capable of contacting a front end of theworkpiece at a specified position in a feed pathway of the workpiece;means for causing the stopper means to move into and retreat from thefeed pathway of the workpiece; and a contact detection means fordetecting a contact between the front end of the workpiece and thestopper means and sending a halt signal to the feed velocity controlmeans for halting the feed action.
 3. A cutting machine comprising:amain vise device for interposedly securing a workpiece close to acutting position; a feed means for feeding a workpiece toward thecutting position; a feed velocity control means for controlling the feedvelocity of the workpiece by the feed means; a stopper means capable ofcontacting a front end of the workpiece at a specified position, thestopper means being mounted on a movable vise jaw of the main visedevice so that the front end of the workpiece can contact the stoppermeans when the movable vise jaw of the front vise device is closedtoward a fixed vise jaw of the front vise device; and a contactdetection means for detecting the contact between the front end of theworkpiece and the stopper means and sending a halt signal to the feedvelocity control means for halting the feed action.
 4. A cutting machinecomprising:(a) a main vise device for interposedly securing a workpiececlose to a cutting position; (b) a feed means for feeding a workpiecetoward the cutting position; (c) a first detection means positioned at aspecified distance from the cutting position for detecting a front endof the workpiece which is being fed toward the cutting position; (d) atransfer distance detection means for detecting the transfer distance ofthe front end of the workpiece after the front end of the workpiece hasbeen detected by the first detection means, the transfer distancedetection means outputting a signal proportional to the transferdistance of the front end of the workpiece; (e) a speed reductionposition setting means for counting a value of the transfer distancesignal input from the transfer distance detection means and comparingthe value of said signal with a first preset value, the speed reductionposition setting means outputting a signal for starting a reduction of afeed velocity of the workpiece when the counted value of the transferdistance signal reaches the first preset value; (f) a feed velocitycontrol means for controlling the feed velocity of the workpiece, thefeed velocity control means reducing the feed velocity of the workpiecein the feed means in accordance with the signal from the speed reductionposition setting means; and (g) a halt position setting means forcounting a value of the transfer distance signal input from the transferdistance detection means and comparing the value of said signal with asecond preset value, the halt position setting means outputting a signalfor halting the feed of the workpiece when the counted value of thetransfer distance signal reaches the second preset value.
 5. The cuttingmachine of claim 4, wherein the feed means is a feed vise device whichcan clamp the workpiece and move in a reciprocating manner, and theposition at which the front end of the workpiece halts is the cuttingposition.
 6. A cutting machine comprising:(a) a main vise device forinterposedly securing a workpiece close to a cutting position; (b) afeed means for feeding a workpiece toward the cutting position; (c) afirst detection means positioned at a specified distance from thecutting position for detecting a front end of the workpiece which isbeing fed toward the cutting position; (d) a transfer distance detectionmeans for detecting the transfer distance of the front end of aworkpiece after the front end of the workpiece has been detected by thefirst detection means, the transfer distance detection means outputtinga signal proportional to the transfer distance of the front end of theworkpiece; (e) a speed reduction position setting means for counting avalue of the transfer distance signal input from the transfer distancedetection means and comparing the value of said signal with a previouslyset value, the speed reduction position setting means outputting asignal for starting a reduction of a feed velocity of the workpiece whenthe counted value of the transfer distance signal reaches the previouslyset value; (f) a feed velocity control means for controlling the feedvelocity of the workpiece, the feed velocity control means reducing thefeed velocity of the workpiece in the feed means in accordance with thesignal from the speed reduction position setting means; (g) a contactmeans located at a specified position and capable of contacting thefront end of the workpiece; and (h) a contact detection means fordetecting a contact between the front end of the workpiece and thecontact means and transmitting a halt signal to the feed velocitycontrol means.
 7. The cutting machine of claim 6, wherein the feed meansis a feed vise device which can clamp the workpiece and move in areciprocating manner, and the contact means is a cutting tool on thecutting machine.
 8. The cutting machine of claim 6, wherein the feedmeans is a feed vise device which can clamp the workpiece and move in areciprocating manner, and the contact means is a movable vise jaw of themain vise device.
 9. The cutting machine of claim 6, wherein the feedmeans is a feed vise device which can clamp the workpiece and move in areciprocating manner, and the contact means is a stopper member providedclose to the cutting position.
 10. A cutting machine comprising:(a) amain vise device for interposedly securing a workpiece close to acutting position; (b) a feed means for feeding a workpiece toward thecutting position; (c) a first detection means positioned at a specifieddistance from the cutting position for detecting a front end of theworkpiece which is being fed toward the cutting position; (d) a seconddetection means which is positioned between the first detection meansand the cutting position and detects the front end of the workpiece; (e)a transfer distance detection means for detecting the transfer distanceof the front end of the workpiece after the front end of the workpiecehas been detected by the first detection means, the transfer distancedetection means outputting a signal proportional to the transferdistance of the front end of the workpiece; (f) a speed reductionposition setting means for counting a value of the transfer distancesignal input from the transfer distance detection means and comparingthe value of said signal with a first preset value, the speed reductionposition setting means outputting a signal for starting a reduction of afeed velocity of the workpiece when the counted value of the transferdistance signal reaches the first preset value; (g) a second speedreduction position setting means for counting a value of the transferdistance signal input from the transfer distance detection means andcomparing the value of said signal with a second preset value, thesecond speed reduction position setting means outputting a signal forstarting a further reduction of a feed velocity of the workpiece whenthe counted value of the transfer distance signal reaches the secondpreset value; (h) a feed velocity control means for controlling the feedvelocity of the workpiece, the feed velocity control means reducing thefeed velocity of the workpiece in the feed means in accordance with thesignal from the first and second speed reduction position setting means;and (i) a halt position setting means for counting a value of thetransfer distance signal input from the transfer distance detectionmeans and comparing the value of said signal with a third preset value,the halt position setting means outputting a signal for halting the feedof the workpiece when the counted value of the transfer distance signalreaches the third preset value.